V-Day Flowers: What to Choose and How to Order on Time
V-Day flowers are bouquets given on Valentine's Day, 14 February, and the classic choice is still red roses, though tulips, peonies-style spray roses and soft pink mixes are increasingly popular. The key to getting it right is to choose flowers that suit the person rather than the holiday, and to order a few days ahead, because 14 February is one of the busiest days of the year for any flower shop.
Every February the same questions reach our three Saint Petersburg shops: how many roses to give, whether red is too obvious, what to write on the card and how to stay anonymous. Here are our answers, gathered over many Valentine's seasons since 2011, plus practical details for sending flowers to Russia from abroad.
Red Roses or Something Else: What People Actually Choose
Red roses remain the top Valentine's request in our shops, and there is nothing wrong with the classic. A red rose says love plainly, and for a first Valentine's Day together or for someone who likes tradition it is the right message. The rose variety matters more than people think: large-headed roses with a tight bud open slowly and last longer, while garden-style roses look romantic but open quickly in a warm flat.
If the relationship is newer or you want something less formal, pink and peach roses, spray roses or eustoma send warmth without the full weight of red. Tulips are a favourite in Russia in February because they announce spring; in Russian culture they are closely tied to the season and many women love them. White flowers work for a sophisticated recipient, especially combined with a single red accent.
Ask yourself what the person keeps at home, wears or talks about. Someone who loves calm interiors will appreciate a muted mix in cream and blush; someone bold will enjoy deep burgundy or a bright mono-bouquet. Flowers chosen for the person are remembered far longer than flowers chosen for the date.
How Many Stems: Numbers, Symbolism and Russian Custom
In Russia flowers are given in odd numbers for happy occasions; even numbers are associated with funerals. This applies mainly to small bouquets: for one, three, five, seven, nine or eleven stems, keep the number odd. For bouquets over about fifteen stems the rule relaxes, and nobody counts 25 or 51 roses, though many customers still choose an odd number to be safe.
A single rose is a lovely gesture for an early relationship or as an addition to another gift. Eleven or fifteen roses are the most common Valentine's sizes in our shops: generous but easy to carry and fit in a vase. Very large bouquets of 51 or 101 roses make a strong impression, but check that the recipient has a vase large enough, or choose a box arrangement that needs no vase at all.
For long-distance relationships, a slightly larger bouquet is common, because the flowers stand in for your presence. Here the card matters as much as the stem count.
Bouquets we can deliver
Writing the Card and Choosing Anonymous Delivery
The card with your text is free, and on Valentine's Day it is often the most important part of the order. Keep it personal and short: two or three lines in your own words work better than a long quotation. If the recipient reads Russian better than English, you can write the message in Russian and our staff will copy it exactly.
Delivery is anonymous by default: the courier does not name the sender. That suits a secret admirer, but most people do want to be recognised, so sign the card with your name or a nickname only the two of you know. If you want to stay a mystery, leave the card unsigned or add a hint.
The courier calls the recipient about 15 minutes before arrival. For a surprise, tell us if you prefer the courier to call you or someone else first; if the recipient is out, we agree a second delivery the same day or hand the flowers to a neighbour or concierge with your consent.
When to Order: Beating the 14 February Rush
On 13 and 14 February demand in Saint Petersburg grows many times over, and popular varieties, especially red roses, can run short. Pre-ordering is the most reliable approach: you can place an order 1 to 30 days ahead and choose an exact delivery time with an accuracy of plus or minus 30 minutes, or a time window such as 09-12, 12-15, 15-18 or 18-21.
Morning delivery to an office is a popular choice because colleagues see the flowers, but think about whether the recipient will have to carry a large bouquet home in the evening frost. Delivery to home in the evening is more private and the flowers go straight into water. In Saint Petersburg we deliver around the clock, so a midnight surprise at the very start of 14 February is possible.
If you remember at the last moment, express delivery in large cities is possible within 1-2 hours after the order is confirmed. Our article on same-day delivery cut-off times explains what to expect on busy days.
Ordering Valentine's Flowers to Russia from Abroad
Many of our February orders come from abroad: people in long-distance relationships, students away from home and family members who want to surprise someone in Saint Petersburg or another Russian city. Choose a bouquet in our bouquets catalogue, enter the recipient's address and phone number, and add your card text.
You can pay online by bank card, SBP or Yandex Pay, and foreign bank cards are accepted via Robokassa. City delivery costs 500 RUB; for remote districts and suburbs the operator confirms the price when confirming the order. The full conditions are on the delivery and payment page, and for any questions about timing or the bouquet you can call 8 (812) 507-67-05.
If you are also planning flowers for 8 March, it is worth reading how the two holidays differ in Russia: our comparison of March 8 and Valentine's Day customs explains who gives flowers to whom on each date.
Making Valentine's Flowers Last
February flowers face a sharp change from frost outside to a hot, dry flat inside. Let the bouquet sit in its wrapping for 15-20 minutes in a cool hallway, then unwrap it, cut 2-3 cm off each stem at an angle and put it in cool water. Keep the vase away from radiators, which are the main reason roses droop early in a Russian winter.
Change the water every two days and recut the stems each time. Roses and tulips cared for this way usually last a week or more, so your Valentine's bouquet stays on the table well past the holiday.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular V-Day flowers?
Red roses are still the most requested, followed by pink roses, tulips and soft mixed bouquets. Choose what suits the person rather than following the trend.
How many roses should I give on Valentine's Day?
Eleven or fifteen roses are the most popular sizes. In Russia keep small bouquets to an odd number of stems, since even numbers are linked with mourning.
Can I send Valentine's flowers anonymously in Russia?
Yes, delivery is anonymous by default and the courier does not name the sender. Sign the card only if you want to be recognised.
How early should I order Valentine's flowers?
A few days ahead is best, as 13-14 February are extremely busy. You can pre-order 1-30 days in advance and choose an exact time.
Can I pay with a foreign card?
Yes, foreign bank cards are accepted via Robokassa. Bank cards, SBP and Yandex Pay are also available on the site.
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